Farneta
Introduction
In this text, we will talk about Farneta, a small village located in the province of Cosenza, inhabited by a community of Arbëreshë who have preserved their Albanian identity for over five centuries through language, traditions, and material and spiritual culture. We will explore the physical geography and history of this unique place.
Physical Geography
Farneta is located on a hill near Timpone La Rotondella, at the borders of Basilicata and Calabria. The toponym derives from the presence of numerous oak trees in the area. It is situated in the municipality of Castroregio, 6.86 km as the crow flies, and 32 km following the state road. It borders Oriolo, Alessandria del Carretto, and Cersosimo.
History
The founding date of Farneta is unknown, but it is believed that the first families came from San Paolo Albanese in 1534. These families moved to different territories before settling near the junction of Oriolo, calling the first settlement "Katunish." They soon abandoned it due to snake infestation and moved to "Katundi i vjeter," which they, in turn, left to settle higher up at "San Procopio." Here they lived for a few years but abandoned the village due to the Black Death in 1551 and founded the village of Farneta, which was divided into two districts.
The Community of Farneta
The Farneta community consists of about 87 inhabitants, all belonging to the ethnic minority of Arbëreshë. They have managed to maintain their Albanian identity through language, traditions, and material and spiritual culture. The Albanian language is still spoken in families and in the liturgy of the Greek-Byzantine Church. The community is very united and actively participates in the life of Farneta.
Cultural Heritage
The cultural heritage of Farneta is very rich and interesting. The Church of San Giovanni Battista, built in the fifteenth century, is one of the main monuments of the place, with valuable Byzantine icons and a commemorative plaque of 1551 inside. The Church of San Nicola is another important church in Farneta, with two wooden statues dating back to the fifteenth century.
Traditions
The Farneta community has maintained its Albanian traditions over the centuries. The main festival of the place is that of San Giovanni Battista, celebrated on June 24 with a procession through the village streets and the distribution of pizzas and wine. Another interesting tradition is Albanian Easter, during which typical dishes such as "Qyfte," meatballs with spices, and "Baki i kullmit," a traditional sweet, are prepared.
Conclusions
Farneta is a unique and fascinating place that has managed to maintain its Albanian roots and preserve a rich cultural heritage. The Arbëreshë community that lives there is united and participatory, keeping their traditions alive and sharing their history with those who want to know it. We recommend visiting Farneta to discover this hidden treasure of Calabria.
